Para- Nordic Classification Policy

Policy 2014

Table of Contents

Preamble ...... 3 Aim ...... 3 Authority ...... 3 Definition of Classifiers ...... 3 Type of Classifiers ...... 4 Training/Certification of Classifiers ...... 5 Term of Canadian Classifiers ...... 6 Classifier Compensation ...... 6 Canadian Classification System Adaptations ...... 7 Canadian Classified athletes ...... 8 National Classification Panel ...... 9 IPCNS Classification Panel ...... 10 Funding ...... 10 Review ...... 10

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Preamble

Classification of athletes into defined Sport Classes is an integral part of all sport for ‘Athletes with a Disability’ within the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) system. The aim of a classification system is to ensure that an athlete’s impairment is relevant to sport performance, and to ensure that athletes compete equitably to provide for fair competition. According to the IPC the purpose of classification...“is to minimize the impact of eligible impairment types on the outcome of competition, so that Athletes who succeed in competition are those with best anthropometry, physiology and psychology and who have enhanced them to the best effect.”

The Nordiq Canada classification system will follow the IPC Classification Code http://www.paralympic.org/classification-code and IPC Nordic Skiing (NS) Classification Rules and Regulations (R&R) http://www.paralympic.org/nordic-skiing/rules-and- regulations/classification while providing the flexibility to allow for the unique requirements of Canada’s Para-Nordic (PN) classification system as outlined in section 9.0 of this document.

Aim

The aim of this policy is to provide direction for how the Nordiq Canada PN classification system will be managed. This policy document, in conjunction with the IPC Classification Code and IPCNS Classification R&R will provide the framework within which the process of classification will take place.

Authority

This policy is published under the authority of the Nordiq Canada Para-Nordic (PN) Committee.

Definition of Classifiers

Nordiq Canada Classifiers under the terms of this policy are only able to classify athletes with physical impairments (PI) in the LW classes (LW 2-9 standing and LW 10-12 sitting). The term ‘Classifier’ refers only to PI Classifiers in this policy.

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Athletes with a visual impairment (VI) in classes B1-3 are classified by a separate process either through an IPC VI Classification Panel or by recommendation of an IPC certified VI classifier based upon their assessment of a completed IPC VI medical diagnostics form. The terms of this policy include VI athletes but not VI classifiers.

Type of Classifiers

Nordiq Canada will maintain a classification system which includes the following:

a) IPC Certified Medical Classifiers – Minimum of two and a maximum of three; b) IPC Certified Technical Classifiers – Minimum of one and maximum of two; c) Head classifier – One of the IPC certified classifiers, either medical or technical, will be appointed as the Head of National Classification by the Nordiq Canada Assistant Director of High Performance - Para-Nordic (ADHP-PN) in consultation with the Nordiq Canada PN Committee; d) NationalClassificationConsultants–Asappropriateandavailable.

Medical/technical classifiers will classify athletes Nationally and advise the Nordiq Canada PN Committee on classification issues under the direction of the Nordiq Canada ADHP-PN.

Classifiers will be chosen and trained based upon their interest, experience, professional qualifications and ability to meet IPCNS requirements for certification. Canadian classifiers will also be chosen considering geographic and Nordiq Canada Division representation.

National Classification Consultants are non-IPCNS certified classification experts who will advise the Nordiq Canada classification system. Consultants may be part of National Classification Panels but they are not IPCNS certified classifiers and cannot classify athletes.

Current IPC Certified Classifiers:

• Bjorn Taylor, Lamont AB - Technical Classifier and Head of Classification. IPC certified March 2012

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• Berit Dool (P.T.), Thunder Bay ON - Medical Classifier IPC certified January 2013 • Julie Sanders (P.T.), St Agapit QC – Medical Classifier IPC Certified January 2013

Current National Classification Consultants:

• Kaspar Wirz (Saskatoon Sask) – Former PNST Head Coach with 20+ years of experience in Para-Nordic sport and classification. • Shane Munro (P.T) (Canmore AB) – Physiotherapist and medical coordinator for the Para-Nordic National Ski Team (PNST). Shane has IPCNS and National Classification Panel experience. Shane will become IPCNS certified as medical classifier.

Training/Certification of Classifiers

All Canadian classifiers (medical and technical) must be IPCNS certified. Canadian classifiers will be trained and certified through the IPCNS process of attending an IPCNS Classification Seminar and receiving related training and experience on IPCNS classification panels.

Subject to pre-approval Nordiq Canada will generally pay the full cost of training and certifying new classifiers, including travel accommodation and course fees. Individuals may apply to Nordiq Canada for support for their training and certification. In return, the classifiers are expected remain active in the Canadian Para-Nordic classification system for at least three years, taking part in at least one National Classification Panel per year as required.

It is also expected that Canadian classifiers will be a part of the IPCNS classification system and will take part in IPCNS classification panels and other professional development opportunities offered by the IPCNS. IPCNS classification panel assignments will be the responsibility of IPCNS to organize and fund.

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Term of Canadian Classifiers

As long as Canadian classifiers are certified through IPCNS and are following the IPCNS Classification R&R for professional development and re-certification, they are eligible to continue as Canadian national classifiers with no limit to the length of term.

The Nordiq Canada ADHP-PN, in consultation with the Nordiq Canada PN Committee, may end the term of a classifier if the classifier is not actively involved in the Canadian classification system, and/or is deemed to be not following the terms of this policy.

Classifier Compensation

Following the IPCNS Classification R&R, Canadian classifiers are considered volunteers who volunteer their time for reasons related to personal interest, commitment to the Paralympic movement and professional development. It is recognized that classifiers provide a valuable service to the Canadian Para-Nordic system and that classifiers are often professionals with full- time jobs and commitments so some financial compensation to classifiers is necessary to support the Canadian classification system.

a) Subject to pre-approval, Nordiq Canada will generally cover expenses (including travel, food, accommodation and other reasonable expenses allowed, pursuant to Nordiq Canada’s travel and expense policy) when a Certified Classifier or National Consultant is travelling to a National Classification Panel or other required meeting for classification purposes. Participants may apply in advance to Nordiq Canada for approval of such expenses. b) Subject to pre-approval by Nordiq Canada, when volunteering as a classifier at a National Classification Panel or other required meeting certified classifiers and national consultants will be offered an honorarium of $200 per day including travel time. This amount will be evaluated on an annual basis at Nordiq Canada’s fiscal year end and adjusted as appropriate.

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c) There will be no honorarium or other compensation for regular communication and consultation.

Canadian Classification System Adaptations

As stated in the preamble of this policy document, the Canadian Para-Nordic classification system will follow the IPC Classification Code and IPCNS Classification R&R.

For specific Canadian PN system and athlete development purposes Nordiq Canada will allow for the classification of athletes at the National level which falls outside the IPC Classification Code and IPCNS Classification R&R. Nordiq Canada will allow these athletes to compete in Nationally sanctioned events including Provincial cup, NorAm, Nationals and Canada Winter Games, based upon specific adaptations to the IPCNS classification R&R.

National classification adaptations and eligibility to compete for individual athletes will be determined on a “case-by-case” basis by the Canadian classifiers in consultation with the Nordiq Canada ADHP-PN and PN Committee.

The following are the current Canadian classification adaptation guidelines:

a) Sitting athletes (LW10-12) who have a clear physical impairment as identified by medical diagnosis and assessment and who are also unable to compete as standing athletes due to this impairment, but are not classifiable under IPCNS classification R&R and are ineligible to compete in IPC sanctioned events. These athletes will be classified as LW 13 with a competition factor of 100%. b) Standing athletes (LW 2-9) with a clear physical impairment, as identified by medical diagnosis and assessment, but who are not classifiable under IPCNS Classification R&R, and are ineligible to compete in IPC sanctioned events. These athletes will be classified in their appropriate Sport Class as determined by Canadian classifiers with their competition percentages adjusted as appropriate to their disability and the situation. c) Visually impaired athletes (B1-3) who have a clear visual impairment, as identified by medical or ophthalmologist diagnosis and assessment, which affects their ability to

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compete as able-bodied athletes but who are not classifiable under IPCNS classification R&R and are unable to compete in IPCNS sanctioned events. These athletes will be classified as B4 with a competition factor of 100%. d) Sitting athletes (LW10-12) with Cerebral Palsy will be classified as LW12 and given a competition factor of 94%. This competition factor will be reviewed and adjusted as appropriate based upon results analysis over time. These athletes are generally classifiable under IPCNS Classification R&R in the LW12 Sport Class but would have to compete in IPCNS sanctioned competition with a competition factor of 100%.

Athletes falling under these categories are included on the list of Canadian Classified Para- Nordic Athletes in section 10.0 of this document with the adaptation indicated.

Athletes in 9.0 a. b. and c. will not be able to compete in IPCNS sanctioned events with their Canadian National classification and will therefore not be eligible for Nordiq Canada PNST National Team selection or Sport Canada Athlete Assistance Program funding.

Athletes in d. above are able to compete in IPCNS sanctioned events but must be IPCNS classified and compete with their IPCNS classification and competition factor percentage (LW12 at 100%). In this case, the athlete will be eligible for Nordiq Canada PNST National Team selection or Sport Canada Athlete Assistance Program funding.

These Canadian adaptations will be reviewed and updated as appropriate.

Canadian Classified athletes

Nordiq Canada will maintain a list of Canadian Classified Para-Nordic Athletes. The list will include all active and past athletes with their National Classification and IPC Classification as applicable. The list will be updated as new athletes become classified. This list will be posted on the Nordiq Canada website.

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National Classification Panel

It is the goal of the Canadian Para-Nordic classification system to make sure that all athletes who want to be nationally classified are able to be classified within a reasonable amount of time so that they can compete in nationally sanctioned events when they want to.

Nordiq Canada’s goal will be to hold at least one National Classification Panel per year where athletes will be classified. A second panel may be offered if there is a determined need. The need for a second panel will be determined by the Nordiq Canada ADHP-PN in consultation Nordiq Canada the Nordiq Canada PN committee. Classification panels will normally be held at major events such as a PN National Development Camp or National Championships.

Nordiq Canada affiliated organizations such as event organizers, clubs or divisions may request a National Classification Panel. The organization will be responsible for all costs associated with the National Classification Panel.

There will be no cost to an athlete for a National Classification Panel assessment or consultation but all other associated costs, including but not limited to, travel, food and accommodation will be the responsibility of the athlete.

To be given a ‘confirmed’ National Classification sport class and competition factor, an athlete must be evaluated at an official Nordiq Canada National Classification Panel. A Classification Panel will include at least one IPCNS certified medical classifier and at least one IPCNS certified technical classifier. To confirm the athlete’s classification, the athlete must be observed skiing on snow preferably in competition.

If an athlete is unable to attend a classification panel, they may be classified outside of an official classification panel and given a ‘provisional’ classification based upon observation by one IPCNS certified classifier (medical or technical) and/or review of medical records.

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Athletes with a provisional classification will be allowed to compete in Nationally sanctioned competition events. If their classification is later confirmed to be different, than the provisional sport class assigned their competition results may be adjusted to reflect the confirmed classification. The athlete must attend a National classification panel at their earliest opportunity to confirm their classification. An athlete cannot have a provisional classification indefinitely, and the athlete may become ineligible to compete without a confirmed classification. Eligibility to compete will be determined on a case by case basis by the ADHP-PN in consultation with the Head Classifier and PN Committee.

IPCNS Classification Panel

Athletes may be classified at an approved IPCNS Classification Panel. In this case Nordiq Canada will accept the IPCNS classification and there will be no requirement for a national classification. All associated costs to attend an IPCNS classification panel will be the responsibility of the athlete.

Funding

Funding of the Nordiq Canada classification system under the terms of this policy is subject to Nordiq Canada approved budget and funding levels. Funding of the Nordiq Canada classification system will be a regular part of the Nordiq Canada PN Operational plan and budgeting and the amount will be reviewed and adjusted annually based upon specific need and available funding. Nordiq Canada will endeavour to directly support athletes to be Nationally or IPCNS classified and will subsidize the athlete’s costs of classification (including travel, food, and accommodation in accordance with Nordiq Canada’s travel and expense policy) where possible based upon Nordiq Canada athlete development strategies and available funding.

Review

Classification is dynamic with changes and updates occurring regularly within Canada and within the IPC. Therefore, this policy will be updated as needed and appropriate at least annually.

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